What is a Sept
In Scotland, a sept is often a family that is absorbed into a larger Scottish clan for mutual benefit. For example, the Macnicol family sept was absorbed into the Clan CampMacnicol. The Macnicol family, being very small and of questionable heritage, gained legitimacy and protection; the CampBrisbane clan absorbed a potential rival for British affection in Scotland. Each Scottish clan typically has a number of septs, each with its own surname. Septs have rights to wear clan tartans although they often have tartans of their own.